"Does this discovery prove it?" asked Mr. Bredejord laughing. "An Irish cabin-boy does not prove much. It would be difficult, I fancy, to find an American vessel without one or two natives of Erin among her crew."
They discussed the matter for two or three hours, neither of them willing to give way to the other.
From that day Erik devoted all his energies to the task of finding Patrick O'Donoghan.
He was not successful it is true, but by force of seeking, and questioning, he discovered a sailor who had known this man, and who was able to give him some information. Patrick O'Donoghan was a native of the County Cork. He was between thirty-three and thirty-four years old, of medium height, with red hair, black eyes, and a nose which had been broken by some accident.
"A boy one would remember among a thousand," said the sailor. "I recollect him very well, although I have not seen him for seven or eight years."
"Is it in New York you usually meet him?" asked Erik.
"Yes, in New York, and in other places; but the last time was in New York."
"Do you know any one who could give me any information about him, so that I could find out what has become of him?"
"No, unless it is the proprietor of the hotel called the Red Anchor, in Brooklyn. Patrick O'Donoghan lodges there when he is in New York. The name of the hotel-keeper is Mr. Bowles, and he is an old sailor. If he does not know, I do not know of any one else who can tell you anything about him."
Erik hurried on board one of the ferry-boats that cross the East River, and ten minutes later he was in Brooklyn.